Open Letter to America
It’s no secret that many prominent American figures aren’t fond of GOP candidate Trump and they’re aligning their efforts by signing a petition to take action against Trump’s policies. The letter written by Katie Stanton, former VP of global media for Twitter, includes the signatures of over 145 influential American researchers, entrepreneurs, and techies. Signatures include Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak, Tumblr founder David Warp, and Twitter co-founder Ev Williams. The letter is an open plea urging Americans against Trump, insinuating that the Republican’s policies will stump technological innovation and open global engagement. See the letter below:
Here’s the full letter, so feel free to blast across all personal social media platforms – including those still on MySpace.
(Source: Mashable)
Google vs European Commission Heats Up
We don’t have to tell you that the European Commission is being a salty dog towards Google right now. They are accusing Google of acting like the big kid on the block for abusing results for product comparison queries. They’re calling bull#*t, claiming Google has consistently abused their power by promoting its own products over third parties. The Commission is doubling down efforts to prove its case — if found to be true, major changes for Google’s AdSense and comparison shopping algorithms within Europe will occur. Ever since the official drama began several months ago, Google has taken measures to adjust AdSense with existing partnerships. In other words, they’re making it easier to display competing ads (a point the Commission has scurried to point out). Initiate the countdown, because Google has ten weeks to respond to the claim. If found guilty, the price tag could be upwards of $3.5B. Find the nearest La-Z-Boy recliner and your popcorn bowl because this should be interesting.
(Source: Engadget)
Autopilot Under Fire
Consumer advocacy groups are acting like concerned camp counselors fighting for better cafeteria food when it comes to Tesla’s autopilot feature. Groups like Consumer Reports and Consumer Watchdog have both recently reached out to Tesla urging for reforms to either disable or rename the Autopilot feature until it can be made safer. This is understandable since the first fatality occurred last week while using autopilot. Tesla has consistently reiterated that the feature is in beta, and drivers should keep their hands on the wheel at all times. Specifically, Consumer Reports is campaigning for Tesla to update its system so the feature will only operate when driver’s hands are on the wheel. Until then, they should shut down the feature. You can bet your bottom dollar this won’t be the last time we hear about such campaigns.
(Source: Mashable)
